IRS and Jointly Owned Property: 5 Common Scenarios
When one person owes the IRS but an asset belongs to more than one person, the situation can get uncomfortable quickly. A spouse may wonder what happens to the family … Read more
For many people, a lingering tax issue starts to “get real” once they receive notice of an IRS lien or levy against their house, bank account or other assets. This category of our blog focuses on liens and levies and the various options available to someone facing this sort of IRS issue.
Liens & Levies
IRS Notice of Intent to Levy: Which Letter Did You Receive?
Receiving an IRS notice that mentions an “intent to levy” can be alarming. Many taxpayers read those words and assume the IRS has already taken their bank account, paycheck, Social … Read more
What Is an Intent to Levy vs. an Immediate Seizure?
Opening an IRS letter with the words “Intent to Levy” can make it feel like your bank account is already being drained. Many taxpayers panic because they assume the notice … Read more
5 Myths About Jointly Owned Property and IRS Tax Debt
When someone owes back taxes, jointly owned property can quickly become a source of confusion. Many people assume that shared ownership automatically protects an asset, while others believe the IRS … Read more
What to Do If Your Spouse Owes the IRS and You Own Property Together
If your spouse or partner owes back taxes to the IRS, you may be worried about what could happen to your own money, home, or jointly owned property. This concern … Read more
IRS Intent to Levy Timeline: How Long Do You Have?
Receiving an IRS notice that mentions a levy can be alarming. Many taxpayers immediately worry that their bank account will be frozen or their wages will be garnished. Fortunately, the … Read more
How Fast Can the IRS Release a Levy?
In some cases, the IRS can release a levy within a few days. In others, it may take longer depending on your situation. There is no fixed timeline. How quickly … Read more
How Do You Stop an IRS Bank Levy?
Stopping an IRS bank levy starts with one thing: acting quickly. Once the levy hits your account, your funds are no longer fully under your control. But you still have … Read more
Do You Need to File Missing Tax Returns Before Stopping a Levy?
Yes, in most cases, you need to file all missing tax returns before the IRS will fully stop or release a levy. When the IRS issues a levy, your case … Read more
Can the IRS Freeze Your Business Bank Account?
Yes, the IRS can freeze your business bank account through a bank levy. When this happens, the IRS sends a notice to your bank requiring them to hold the funds … Read more
Will Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment From the IRS?
If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is taking money directly from your paycheck, you may be wondering: will bankruptcy stop wage garnishment? For many taxpayers facing IRS collection actions, bankruptcy … Read more
Can the IRS Levy Payments You Receive From Clients or Vendors?
Many small business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors are surprised to learn that the IRS can levy the payments they receive from clients or vendors. This type of enforcement, known … Read more
Can the IRS Levy Your Future Tax Refunds?
An IRS levy does not only affect the money you have today. In many cases, the IRS can also seize your future federal tax refunds and apply them to your … Read more
Can the IRS Refile a Tax Lien After It Expires?
Many taxpayers assume that when the IRS collection statute expires after 10 years, all tax problems disappear automatically. While it is true that IRS liens generally expire with the collection … Read more
Can the IRS Levy Your Social Security Benefits?
The IRS has the authority to levy a portion of your Social Security benefits if you have unpaid tax debt, and this can come as a shock to many retirees … Read more
How Do You Get an IRS Levy Released Quickly?
When the IRS levies your wages, bank account, or other assets, your top priority becomes getting the levy released as quickly as possible. A levy can disrupt your life overnight … Read more
What Should You Do If You Receive a Final Notice of Intent to Levy?
The IRS’ Final Notice of Intent to Levy is one of the most serious tax notices you can get. This letter, officially known as Notice LT11 or Letter 1058, lets … Read more
What Happens to an IRS Lien if You Sell Your Home?
Selling a home with an IRS lien can be challenging, but it is possible with proper planning. A federal tax lien attached to your property means that the IRS has … Read more
Does the IRS Notify You Before Filing a Federal Tax Lien?
Many taxpayers worry that the IRS might file a federal tax lien without warning. The good news is that the IRS does notify you before filing a lien. In fact, … Read more
Does Owing the IRS Affect Your Credit Score?
If you’ve fallen behind on your taxes, you may wonder whether that unpaid balance could harm your credit. After all, most types of debt can show up on your credit … Read more
Steven N. Klitzner, P.A. is a tax attorney based in Miami, Florida. He has been practicing tax law for over 40 years, and currently holds a 10.0 rating by Avvo. Mr. Klitzner was appointed to the IRS Service Advisory Council in 2021 and is... 
